- Two years ahead of launch, IL offers an early look at the 2013 BMW 3 Series.
- New 3 Series lineup comprises five models, including a new two-door hatch.
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engines will replace the current straight 6s.
MUNICH, Germany — Two years ahead of launch, Inside Line is providing an early look at the 2013 BMW 3 Series, along with important details on the ultra-popular car's entire lineup.
Preparing to launch in 2012, the new 3 Series is styled after the striking 2011 BMW 5 Series, which officially debuted last fall in Munich. Despite the fact that the next-generation 3 Series rides on a longer wheelbase than the current model, the new car is expected to be lighter than its predecessor, and will be offered in five models instead of the traditional four.
In addition to the sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible, BMW plans to add a 3 Series two-door hatchback Gran Turismo, which will join the lineup a year later. The GT3 will emulate the current 2010 5 Series GT, which debuted last fall.
Although the 3 Series convertible just received a retractable hardtop for its last major redesign in 2007, BMW is now considering reverting to a fabric soft top in place of the heavier steel roof.
2013 3 Series' models are expected to be powered by smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines in place of the current six-cylinder power plants, which will first debut in the 2011 BMW 1 Series. The exception will be the future BMW M3, which will trade in its V8 for a twin-turbocharged six and electric hybrid drive.
All variations of the new 3 Series will have stop-start technology and Valvetronic variable valve timing.
Inside Line says: It's risky business redesigning a perennial favorite like the 3 Series, but with sharp new sheet metal, more fuel-efficient engines and an even broader choice of body styles, this baby is destined to find even more buyers, not fewer. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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alex38 says:
05:30 PM, 05/15/2010
Hey, came across this photo of the 2011 BMW 5-series:
http://burnyourfuel.com/My_Files/BMW/5-series/2011/2011-BMW-5-Series-05.jpg
Possibly a photoshopped version of this?
Regardless, I think this front end of the 3-series (real or not real) looks sweet
alex38 says:
12:58 AM, 04/19/2010
The more I look at the front end, the more I am starting to like it. Hope the tail end doesn't look like that - missing that 'special' x-factor. The booty doesn't wow me personally - could pass for a family sedan from the back.
Not feeling the holes for the exhaust - doesn't have that clean, finished, hunkered-down stance. Too soft, boring and generic..
But really liking the LEDs and aggressive front..
kaysaid10 says:
02:38 PM, 04/15/2010
WOW BMW IS STARTING TO PRODUCE UGLY CARS , BMW NEEDS TO STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE CARS AND MAKE PLANS TO REDESIGN THE X3 AND X5 !
thjones2 says:
02:03 PM, 04/13/2010
Kinda fugly. But, I do like that may be looking to reverse the bigger/heavier trend. Hopefully, they'll also reverse the softer-ride trend, too. I'm not looking for a limo ride. I want my car to feel the road. I want to feel like I'm riding on rails and not loping about.
I really hope they *do* go back to soft-top for the convertible. When I buy a convertible, I want it to *look* like a convertible. It's part of why I still have my E46 3 series rather than one of the current models.
alex38 says:
08:18 PM, 04/04/2010
@ mfanslau
"I don't think a "shark snout" is exactly copying anyone, take a look back at the 8 series, or the M1..."
I don't think anyone here has said the shark-snout is a copy of another automakers design. The question/issue that was brought up was does it look good?
The front looks good to me. Will leave reservations on the rest of the vehicle until I see pics
mfanslau says:
11:06 AM, 04/02/2010
I don't think a "shark snout" is exactly copying anyone, take a look back at the 8 series, or the M1...
carlvr73 says:
07:39 AM, 03/28/2010
I agree with alex38 that the nose looks like a shark, but maybe that is the intent.
I used to really love the 3 series compared to the other sedans and coupes in it's segment, but as of late, not so much. Someone else commented that the 3 series coupe doesn't do anything for them anymore...and I agree. BMW has a lot of work to do to catch up to Audi's A5/S5 coupe in beauty and looks. The Audi catches your eye immediately, and attracts a ton of attention on the road.
And I know all the BMW fans are going to go down the road of how much faster the M3 is than the S5, but who goes around racing their car on a daily basis? That's not why most people buy a car. BWM better do some great design work on the 3 series coupe if they want to contend with Audi's design.
alex38 says:
08:07 PM, 03/27/2010
I think the front snout looks like a bit a shark-snout. I like it personally and the LED touches look to be nicely integrated.
I just hope they do a nice job with the 3-series coupe because the current gen coupe doesn't do anything for me. I still think the 4-gen E46 coupe (2005) is one of their best looking coupes ever..
ksoman says:
05:35 PM, 03/25/2010
So everybody is copying the XJ's snout now?
lzks says:
07:09 AM, 03/24/2010
Although it's an inevitability, it really saddens me to think of M3 losing its glorious V8 to a twin turbo I6 used to be found in cheap 3-series with an effin HYBRID motor. Downfall of true motorsport is just the beginning, I suppose.